I am Hollywood

Chapter 445: Chapter 446: The Foolish Ones



[Chapter 446: The Foolish Ones]

"...So, they'll be coming over shortly."

Eric hung up the phone with Connelly and turned to the group of teens around him. "Now, you can call your parents. If they agree, you'll be able to go to Liberty City Manor. Someone will host you."

The teens cheered and scattered to make their calls. Only Christina, who had heard Eric's words, asked, "Mr. Williams, aren't you coming with us?"

Eric looked at the somewhat mature girl before him. In his past life, Christina might not have been as famous or lucrative as Britney, but compared to Britney's chaotic career and life, Christina could definitely be considered a winner in life.

"I still have work to do, but I can take you all out for dinner tonight."

Christina's expression fell momentarily, and she let out a soft "oh," unsure if it was feigned. But then she looked at Eric eagerly, her sweet smile returning as she said, "Mr. Williams, then we'll wait for you to come back."

"Quickly go and call your parents. If they don't agree, you can't go."

Although the rehearsals for the day weren't over yet, the big boss directly giving the word made the production's head dare not challenge his authority. He even sent a car to take the teens to Malibu.

Katzenberg didn't comment on Eric's actions but regarded them as a youthful attempt to show off. After all, to him, Eric was just a guy in his early twenties, while Katzenberg himself was already forty-two.

...

After checking out a few more sets, the two left the Disney Production Center and were en route back to Disney headquarters when Katzenberg, sitting next to Eric, said, "Eric, I had someone re-edit the film, Billy Bathgate. Do you want to take another look when you have time?"

Eric recalled Billy Bathgate, which was supposed to release in early November the previous year, and shook his head. "No need. The biggest issue with that film was the casting. The lead actor, Ron Dean, always gave off a bizarre sense of disconnect. Plus, I don't think this film even needs a theatrical release -- just let it go straight to video."

Katzenberg nodded. While releasing a video could save a lot of marketing costs, he quickly followed up with another suggestion. "Considering it was nearly a $50 million investment, how about a limited release in September? The off-season marketing costs would be significantly lower, and you might recover some funds."

"Let's do that," Eric agreed. "Also, the one we just saw, Sister Act -- let's increase the marketing push a bit. Whoopi Goldberg's comedic performance in Ghost was quite outstanding. This movie might bring some surprises for Disney."

Even Katzenberg, who was usually confident, didn't doubt Eric's judgement in films. Hearing this, he made sure to note it down in his memo.

Once they arrived at Disney headquarters, Eric attended a brief meeting with a few top executives. After that, he clocked out and headed back to Malibu.

...

By the time he got home, it was already six-thirty. As Eric walked into the villa, he heard a chorus of laughter coming from the kitchen. He leaned against the doorframe and peered inside, spotting seven or eight teens, including Connelly, gathered around two chefs. Upon seeing Eric, the teens set down what they were doing and came toward him. Eric realized they were making Risotto Balls.

After greeting each other, Connelly said, "Eric, I invited a Italian restaurant chef to come and teach them to make Risotto Balls. It's a lot of fun!"

Eric smiled and nodded, having already figured that much from the two chefs.

"Continue what you're doing. I'll go take a shower first. Jenny, could you help me prepare some clothes?" Eric asked as he turned to head upstairs.

Connelly agreed and followed, walking beside Eric as she asked, "What made you think to invite these kids over?"

"What's wrong? Don't you like it?" Eric inquired.

Connelly shook her head. The kids were all very polite, treating her as if she were Eric's girlfriend, and she was enjoying this mistress role. "I'm just a bit curious." After a moment's thought, she glanced back to make sure no one was following before asking, "Hey, you're not... interested in any of these girls, are you?"

Eric let out a laugh. "Do you think I'm that kind of guy?"

Connelly nodded seriously. "I heard that when you met Drew, she was only thirteen. You must have had your eye on her back then. Hmm."

Eric waved a finger at her, shaking his head in denial. "You've got that all wrong. That girl had her sights on me from the time she was thirteen; it was more of a long-term scheme."

Connelly chuckled and playfully punched Eric on the shoulder. "You're just making excuses. I found a copy of Lolita while cleaning the house today."

Eric remembered that it must have been something Drew had left behind. The girl claimed she wanted to study how to tempt older guys, but he didn't explain that to Connelly and instead joked, "I was reading that book from a scientific perspective; don't twist my words."

"Ha-ha..."

...

After Eric finished his shower, he found Connelly had returned to the kitchen to help. He grabbed a magazine, sat down on a couch near the glass wall, and began to read.

After a while, a small figure emerged from a restroom, shaking water droplets from her tiny hands. She looked up, startled to see Eric sitting there.

"Sorry, Mr. Williams, I didn't know you were here," Britney said, a bit flustered.

Eric pushed the box of tissues on the coffee table toward her. "Here, use this."

Britney cautiously approached, taking a few tissues to dry her hands. When she saw Eric still watching her, she turned and peeked nervously toward the kitchen as if hoping someone would save her.

Seeing the little girl's discomfort, Eric smiled. "Do I look scary?"

"No, of course not," Britney said, shaking her head like a bobblehead. After falling onstage in front of Eric earlier that afternoon, she felt shy and awkward around him. Typically, girls matured faster than their male peers, especially since Britney had started training and performing at eight years old. Given these circumstances, she was more mature than others her age but also felt a twinge of self-consciousness looking at Eric's handsome face and

gentle smile.

"Sit down and keep me company. There are plenty of people in the kitchen; they won't miss you," Eric said, motioning to the couch opposite him.

Britney obediently sat across from Eric, keeping her eyes a little downcast.

"Who's at home with you?" Eric asked, putting the magazine down on his lap and gently

inquiring.

"My dad, mom, brother, and sister," Britney replied.

Eric recalled that Britney had a sister and a pair of parents who were only out for money, but he didn't remember much about Britney's brother. "Are they all in Los Angeles?"

"Yeah, Mom had my sister last year, so Dad moved with my brother to Los Angeles."

...

Meanwhile, Christina succeeded in wrapping a Risotto Ball that looked decent. She held it up to show off to her friends but soon realized Britney had been gone for quite a while. A sense of caution crept in, and she set down the Risotto Ball. She spoke politely to Connelly for a moment before stepping out of the kitchen, spotting Eric making Britney laugh.

Oh no, that clumsy girl beat me to it.

Thinking this, a hint of jealousy sparked in Christina as Eric waved her over. She quickly

gathered her thoughts, flashing a sweet smile before walking over.

"Chris, we were just talking about you," Britney said, completely innocent. She scooted over

to make room for Christina.

Christina, feeling slightly defensive, asked, "About what?"

"Of course, our time in the Mickey Mouse Club," Britney replied.

Eric looked at the two girls before him and said, "Britney was just telling me how great youn/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

are at singing. She mentioned you both have amazing voices. You should sing for me

sometime!"

"Sure!" Christina quickly responded. "We can do it right now!"

Eric shook his head. "Let's skip today; dinner will be ready soon."

Christina had initially wanted to showcase her skills, but Eric's suggestion left her feeling a

bit disappointed.

...

They had only chatted for a short while when Connelly poked her head out of the kitchen, calling them for dinner. Britney, already drawn in by the delicious aroma of the food, jumped

up and skipped toward the dining area.

As Eric put away his magazine and stood up, Christina bit her lip, finally mustering the

courage to speak. "Mr. Williams, Britney's singing... well, she isn't as good as me. The

teachers at the club all say so."

Eric found more amusement in this than he expected. "What's that about?"

"I just mean, Britney is only slightly prettier than me. Other than that, I'm definitely better!"

Christina assured, her determination evident.

"Oh, I see," Eric said, nodding noncommittally.

Christina continued, "Mr. Williams, were you here today to cast for us?"

Eric raised an eyebrow, finally understanding the reason behind the girl's unusual behavior.

He shook his head with a smile. "No, I was just checking the work at the Disney production

plant today; it has nothing to do with casting."

Rather than being discouraged, Christina came closer, crouching beside Eric as she asked

eagerly, "Mr. Williams, do you think I could be an actress?"

"Aren't you already an actress?"

"I mean, a movie actress, like Stuart Ronkel?"

Eric thought back to the information he reviewed on Christina earlier. She was like many

American kids, growing up in a broken family. Her mother had left due to her father's abuse when Christina was just six. From then on, they lived a nomadic lifestyle. Christina began performing at eight to make money due in part to her singing ability. Kids who grow up in such environments usually mature quickly and yearn for a better life, which explained her earlier comments. The resurgence of Home Alone 3 recently made Stuart one of the world's most successful child stars, directly reflected in his whopping $10 million paycheck. "Chris, keep focusing on performing in the Mickey Mouse Club. Just work hard, and you'll definitely make a name for yourself. You don't have to exclusively shoot movies," Eric reassured, gently tapping her hand. He wasn't trying to be a savior; besides, he didn't need to further his accomplishments by fostering potential future stars now. He was more curious to see what became of the stars from his past life when they strayed from their original life

paths.

When Christina noticed Eric preparing to stand up, she reflexively grabbed his arm, her gaze asking for a favor. "Mr. Williams, give me a chance, okay? I heard you have a lot of girlfriends. I... I can be your girlfriend too."

Eric looked at the girl gripping his arm and said, "Stop it, Chris, or I might get mad." "Please, Mr. Williams. I know I'm not pretty enough, but I can bring Britney along, and we can

both be your girlfriends," Christina stumbled through her words, managing to get them out. Eric raised an eyebrow again.

Assuming Eric was intrigued, Christina felt a spark of joy and continued. "Mr. Williams, Britney likes you, and she's just a little clueless -- but she's easy to charm."

Eric nearly burst out laughing. Christina's description of Britney as "clueless" was spot on. In his past life, Britney's string of subpar boyfriends consisted mainly of people close to her; even the paparazzi could use her to their advantage, showcasing just how easily she could be swayed. It was evident how easily she could be fooled and, despite countless wrong turns, she

never seemed to learn her lesson.

"Eric, um... what are you two doing?" After waiting a while and not seeing Eric show up,

Connelly walked out from the dining area and caught sight of Christina holding on to Eric's

arm.

Upon seeing Connelly, Christina quickly released her grip, and Eric shrugged at Connelly while heading directly for the dining room. Christina followed behind, her head down, too timid to meet Connelly's eyes.

Connelly glanced suspiciously between the two but ultimately said nothing.

...

Dinner was quite a feast. As soon as Eric stepped into the dining room, Britney excitedly

approached him, holding a small plate piled with Risotto Balls. "Mr. Williams, these are the ones I made! Would you like to try one?"

Eric knew those Risotto Balls were prepared by the chefs beforehand, so he wasn't concerned

about getting something odd. He smiled and nodded, grabbing a bowl and picking out a couple from Britney's plate. "That's enough for me. Thanks."

With Britney leading the way, the other teens soon brought out their creations too. The only one left feeling disheartened was Christina, who had been somewhat glued to Eric's side. She didn't even know where her hard work had gone, as someone likely claimed it while she was

distracted.

*****

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